0:00:02 > 0:00:04Six of the very best senior school choirs in the country
0:00:04 > 0:00:06are here in Sheffield for this year's prestigious
0:00:06 > 0:00:08School Choir of the Year competition.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10But who will impress the judges
0:00:10 > 0:00:13and win a coveted place in the grand final on April 24?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Keep watching to find out.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21There's something for everyone this week,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24from modern worship songs through to spirituals.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26And some choral classics
0:00:26 > 0:00:30performed by school choirs who just love to sing.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41APPLAUSE
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Welcome to Sheffield City Hall and I can see that we have
0:00:44 > 0:00:48plenty of supporters here for all our six senior semi-finalists.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51It's going to be a fantastic showcase of choral talent,
0:00:51 > 0:00:54thanks to these fabulous young singers behind me.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57They fought off strong competition to win a place in the semi-final,
0:00:57 > 0:01:02so let's meet them, shall we? Our first semi-finalists are Oakham School in Rutland.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06APPLAUSE
0:01:06 > 0:01:08From Cornwall, it's Truro School.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12APPLAUSE
0:01:12 > 0:01:15From London, Grey Coat Hospital.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18APPLAUSE
0:01:18 > 0:01:22Also from London, please welcome Twyford Church of England High School.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25APPLAUSE
0:01:25 > 0:01:29From Hertfordshire, it's Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34And finally, St George's College in Weybridge.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38APPLAUSE
0:01:38 > 0:01:40We're in for a rowdy evening, and colourful too,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43judging by all the banners out there.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Now, luckily, I don't have to decide our finalists.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47We have an expert panel of judges for that.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Do you recognise the smile?
0:01:51 > 0:01:54This little girl is now an international star.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57# Fixed in us... #
0:01:57 > 0:02:00It's the fabulous Katherine Jenkins.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03I learned to sing with religious music.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06I was a chorister back in St David's Church in Neath for ten years.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10I love singing religious music and faith music as a result.
0:02:10 > 0:02:16# Thee we would be always blessing... #
0:02:16 > 0:02:18It is very, very heartfelt
0:02:18 > 0:02:21and so that's something that I'll be looking for today
0:02:21 > 0:02:25as a sort of technical approach, but I also want to feel
0:02:25 > 0:02:28the emotion of the music from when it was originally written.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Our second judge began singing in his church choir
0:02:32 > 0:02:35and grew up to be a musical tour de force.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37# Mary, did you know... #
0:02:37 > 0:02:41It's composer and award-winning conductor Ken Burton.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Competitions are good, because what they do,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46they help choirs to learn from each other.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49They see things and they say, "Actually, we can do this better,
0:02:49 > 0:02:51"because we've seen how it's done well."
0:02:51 > 0:02:54So I expect the standard is going to be very, very high.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59Our third judge knows exactly what it's like to be a winner as a child...
0:02:59 > 0:03:00and an adult.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04# The hills are alive... #
0:03:04 > 0:03:08It's Connie Fisher, winner of TV talent show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and star of the musical The Sound Of Music.
0:03:11 > 0:03:12I'm most looking forward
0:03:12 > 0:03:15to seeing a choir who are really in the moment on stage,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18who are really going to blow us away with their performance.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21It's all very well technically singing something beautifully,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24but actually, if you're not present in the moment,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26you might as well not turn up.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Our judges, ladies and gentlemen.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Katherine Jenkins, Ken Burton, and Connie Fisher.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34APPLAUSE
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Each of our choirs will sing their hymn or worship songs
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and based on that performance alone, the judges will choose
0:03:42 > 0:03:45three schools to go through to the final on 24 April.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48So there's no room for error from our young singers.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51The first choir hoping to wow Connie, Katherine and Ken
0:03:51 > 0:03:53is Oakham School choir from Rutland.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00CHOIR SING
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Hello. Welcome to Oakham School.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It's in Rutland. You've probably never heard of it,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07because it is the smallest county in England.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- But we do occasionally get out. - Occasionally, yeah.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13CHOIR SING
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- Let's go and have a look round. - Yeah.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Oakham School's been running the Duke of Edinburgh Award for almost 60 years.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23In fact, we were the first school to reach 1,000 Gold Awards,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25which we're pretty proud of.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30You get to develop new skills, experience the great outdoors
0:04:30 > 0:04:32and learn more about yourself.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Here we are in Art.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37You can do everything here, from sculpture to textiles,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40to just a drawing, if you want to.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Such a cool place to show your creative side.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- Creative side, Will?- Yeah.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Has been known, in the past. Occasionally!
0:04:47 > 0:04:50# I want Jesus
0:04:50 > 0:04:53# To walk with me... #
0:04:53 > 0:04:55We hope you've enjoyed looking around Oakham School.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58And we're really happy to be singing in the competition,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00because it is the taking part that counts.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03But then again, a win would be nice!
0:05:03 > 0:05:06# Walk with me. #
0:05:10 > 0:05:14# Amazing grace!
0:05:14 > 0:05:20# How sweet the sound
0:05:20 > 0:05:30# That saved a wretch like me
0:05:30 > 0:05:36# I once was lost
0:05:36 > 0:05:41# But now am found
0:05:41 > 0:05:44# Was blind
0:05:44 > 0:05:52# But now I see
0:05:55 > 0:06:05# 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
0:06:05 > 0:06:14# And grace my fears relieved
0:06:14 > 0:06:24# How precious did that grace appear
0:06:24 > 0:06:34# The hour I first believed
0:06:34 > 0:06:43# When we've been there ten thousand years
0:06:43 > 0:06:52# Bright shining as the sun
0:06:52 > 0:06:57# We've no less days
0:06:57 > 0:07:03# To sing God's praise
0:07:05 > 0:07:16# Than when we'd first begun
0:07:18 > 0:07:26# Amazing grace
0:07:27 > 0:07:42# How sweet the sound. #
0:07:44 > 0:07:49APPLAUSE
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Oakham, ladies and gentlemen!
0:07:53 > 0:07:57APPLAUSE
0:07:57 > 0:08:01So, Connie - it's really tense in the hall. No sign of nerves there.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06No! I have got goose bumps. That was an amazing Amazing Grace.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09It was dynamic. The diction was fantastic
0:08:09 > 0:08:11and not a sign of nerves from you guys
0:08:11 > 0:08:12and it's not easy going first
0:08:12 > 0:08:16in a competition which is bound to have a very high standard
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- and you set the bar very high this evening.- Thank you very much.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Er, Katherine, unaccompanied - that's brave, isn't it?
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I know! To think that you came out
0:08:25 > 0:08:28and you started in such an amazing fashion - well done.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Your tuning was perfect. Your diction was lovely -
0:08:32 > 0:08:34there were a couple, if I'm really nit-picking -
0:08:34 > 0:08:38there were a couple of end consonants which weren't quite together.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41But you created such a beautiful atmosphere.
0:08:41 > 0:08:42You really drew us in
0:08:42 > 0:08:46and what a fantastic start to the competition. Well done.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Ken, I loved the arrangement. Didn't you?
0:08:49 > 0:08:51That's my kind of music and it was beautiful.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55I loved the way it began, because you really set the tone.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57A couple of things.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59At the end of phrases,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02it would be really good if every single part could just keep
0:09:02 > 0:09:06every harmony, every note, going right to the end of that line,
0:09:06 > 0:09:10so we can hear the real richness in the harmony.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12And also, the last verse, which is looking forward -
0:09:12 > 0:09:14"when we've been there 10,000 years" -
0:09:14 > 0:09:16I probably just wanted it to open out a little bit more.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I wanted to feel like I was in heaven at that point,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22so just a little bit more muscle on the sound on the last verse
0:09:22 > 0:09:25but that was just a wonder to listen to.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29Thank you very much, judges, and round of applause for Oakham.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34It's brilliant to have some guests with an outside view,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36and also hearing what other people think,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40not just when you're performing in a school or a different competition.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44I think it went OK.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46There were a few constructive comments there for us,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49but it's quite hard up there in the hall.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53The atmosphere is quite... You can feel the tension, definitely.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Our second semi-finalists are from Cornwall.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Let's meet Truro School choir.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06CHOIR SINGS
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Hi. We're Truro School Choir from Cornwall.
0:10:08 > 0:10:09We're a Methodist foundation,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12so we have weekly services in our beautiful chapel.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Let's go and meet the choir.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18CHOIR SINGS
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Here at the heart of the city,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23we have the magnificent Truro Cathedral.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26I used to be a chorister here - until my voice broke, of course.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Not only do we have the boys' choir,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32we also have the recently formed girls' choir here.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35All of the girls sing in our school choir.
0:10:35 > 0:10:36We also share a conductor.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44# Glory be to the Father and to the Son... #
0:10:44 > 0:10:46This is our first time in the choir competition.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48And we're really excited to be here.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51In the semi-finals, we'll be singing Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55The choir really likes singing this piece, because we had to do some really great harmonies.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58# ..Amen. #
0:11:12 > 0:11:19# Praise, my soul The King of Heaven
0:11:19 > 0:11:23# To his feet thy tribute bring
0:11:23 > 0:11:29# Ransomed, healed restored, forgiven
0:11:29 > 0:11:33# Who like me his praise should sing
0:11:33 > 0:11:36# Praise him, praise him
0:11:36 > 0:11:39# Praise him, praise him
0:11:39 > 0:11:45# Praise the everlasting king
0:11:46 > 0:11:53# Praise him for his grace and favour
0:11:53 > 0:11:58# To our fathers in distress
0:11:58 > 0:12:03# Praise him still the same forever
0:12:03 > 0:12:08# Slow to chide and swift to bless
0:12:08 > 0:12:12# Praise him, praise him
0:12:12 > 0:12:14# Praise him, praise him
0:12:14 > 0:12:20# Glorious in his faithfulness
0:12:21 > 0:12:28# Father-like He tends and spares us
0:12:28 > 0:12:34# Well our feeble frame he knows
0:12:34 > 0:12:39# In his hands he gently bears us
0:12:39 > 0:12:44# Rescues us from all our foes
0:12:44 > 0:12:47# Praise him, praise him
0:12:47 > 0:12:49# Praise him, praise him
0:12:49 > 0:12:56# Widely as his mercy goes
0:12:57 > 0:13:04# Angels help us to adore him
0:13:04 > 0:13:08# You behold him face to face
0:13:08 > 0:13:14# Sun and moon bow down before him
0:13:14 > 0:13:19# Dwellers all in time and space
0:13:19 > 0:13:22# Praise him, praise him
0:13:22 > 0:13:25# Praise him, praise him
0:13:25 > 0:13:33# Praise with us the God of grace. #
0:13:34 > 0:13:38APPLAUSE
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Truro, ladies and gentlemen.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49So, Katherine, another really well-known hymn.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50Did they do it justice?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Oh, you absolutely did.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Firstly, I have to compliment you on creating
0:13:55 > 0:13:58such a big, beautiful classy sound.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00You know, you're definitely projecting.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03It was so wonderful to hear you sing as one.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Your phrasing was gorgeous.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Your breath control, just absolutely stunning.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10The one thing I would like a little bit more -
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I wanted to see a little bit more expression in your faces.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17It felt a little bit controlled and - some of you are giggling,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19so I feel like maybe that's been said before -
0:14:19 > 0:14:22but I think, just to give a little bit more,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25look like you're enjoying it, because I believe that you are.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27You're creating a beautiful sound,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29so I just wanted to see a little bit more in the faces.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Ken, it was a really disciplined performance.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34The discipline was there.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37There was poise, there was proficiency.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39It was excellent singing.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42What I wanted was for you to set us up a bit more in your faces
0:14:42 > 0:14:46before you began, that you were about to sing a song of praise.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It's inspired by the Psalms.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53So make sure that your faces, your body language,
0:14:53 > 0:14:57the way you present, matches the words of the song,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01which is really a hymn of praise and glory to Almighty God.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Thank you, judges, and a big round of applause for Truro.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06APPLAUSE
0:15:06 > 0:15:09I'd be really happy and excited if we got into the final.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12I'll probably smile a lot.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14It just felt really nice, yeah, to be here,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16because we've travelled a long way.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Our third choir, waiting in the wings,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21is Grey Coat Hospital from Westminster.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26# Here's what I'll do... #
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Hi. We're the Grey Coat Hospital School, a comprehensive
0:15:29 > 0:15:33Church of England school situated right in the heart of London.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36We are an all-girls school but we allow boys in in the sixth form.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Which is great, because I get to sing in this amazing gospel choir.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42CHOIR SINGS
0:15:42 > 0:15:45One thing that makes our gospel choir different and unusual
0:15:45 > 0:15:48is the fact that we are led by one of our own students.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49# Earthly poss-ESS-ion... #
0:15:49 > 0:15:51THEY LAUGH
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Singing is not the only thing we enjoy at Grey Coat.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59We're also quite good at football.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04You know, for a school that's all girls, they're quite good at it.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05Please!
0:16:05 > 0:16:09# I will trust, trust in the name of the Lord. #
0:16:09 > 0:16:11I hope you've enjoyed having a glimpse of what it's like
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- at the Grey Coat Hospital School. - It really is a great place to be.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16CHOIR SINGS
0:16:16 > 0:16:19'In the semi-final, we will be singing Better As One Day,'
0:16:19 > 0:16:21which is a wonderful worship song,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24which allows our gospel choir to show our strong faith.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28# Trust. #
0:16:32 > 0:16:38# How lovely is your dwelling place
0:16:38 > 0:16:42# Lord God almighty
0:16:42 > 0:16:50# And my soul longs and even faints for you
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- # How lovely - How lovely
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- # Your dwelling place - Your dwelling place
0:16:58 > 0:17:00# Lord God almighty
0:17:00 > 0:17:10# And my soul longs and even faints for you
0:17:10 > 0:17:13# Better is one day in your courts
0:17:13 > 0:17:15# Better is one day in your house
0:17:15 > 0:17:17# Better is one day in your courts
0:17:17 > 0:17:19# Than thousands elsewhere
0:17:19 > 0:17:22# Better is one day in your courts
0:17:22 > 0:17:24# Better is one day in your house
0:17:24 > 0:17:26# Better is one day in your courts
0:17:26 > 0:17:28# Than thousands elsewhere
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- # Better is one day - Better is one day
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- # Better is one day - Better is one day
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- # Better is one day - Better is one day
0:17:36 > 0:17:38# Than thousands elsewhere
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- # Better is one day - Better is one day
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- # Better is one day in your house - Better is one day
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- # Better is one day - Better is one day
0:17:46 > 0:17:47# Than thousands elsewhere
0:17:47 > 0:17:50# Better is one day in your courts
0:17:50 > 0:17:52# Better is one day in your house
0:17:52 > 0:17:57# Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere
0:17:57 > 0:17:59# Better is one day in your courts
0:17:59 > 0:18:02# Better is one day in your house
0:18:02 > 0:18:04# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:04 > 0:18:06# Than thousands elsewhere
0:18:06 > 0:18:09# Better is one day
0:18:09 > 0:18:11# Better is one day
0:18:11 > 0:18:16# Better is one day
0:18:16 > 0:18:18# Better is one day
0:18:18 > 0:18:20# Better is one day
0:18:20 > 0:18:24# Better is one day
0:18:24 > 0:18:27# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:27 > 0:18:29SHE SCATS
0:18:29 > 0:18:31# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:31 > 0:18:34# Than thousands elsewhere
0:18:34 > 0:18:36# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:36 > 0:18:38# Better is one day in your house
0:18:38 > 0:18:40# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:40 > 0:18:43# Than thousands elsewhere
0:18:43 > 0:18:45# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:45 > 0:18:48# Better is one day in your house
0:18:48 > 0:18:50# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:50 > 0:18:52# Than thousands elsewhere
0:18:52 > 0:18:54# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:54 > 0:18:57# Better is one day in your house
0:18:57 > 0:18:59# Better is one day in your courts
0:18:59 > 0:19:01# Than thousands elsewhere
0:19:01 > 0:19:06# Better is one...
0:19:08 > 0:19:12# ..day. #
0:19:13 > 0:19:18APPLAUSE
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Grey Coat, ladies and gentlemen!
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Ken, they're a seriously cool choir!
0:19:27 > 0:19:30You took me to church, choir. Well done!
0:19:30 > 0:19:34I felt the diction was excellent. The phrasing was good.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37I loved the different colours.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41The voices started off with this really easy sound
0:19:41 > 0:19:44and you were able to build and pull back, so I liked that.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49A couple of things. This is obviously a repeated piece.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52In repetition, every repetition has got to be
0:19:52 > 0:19:57something completely new, so build the song.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00You know, you did some key changes, but as the song progressed,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03I just wanted it to lift and lift and lift
0:20:03 > 0:20:06and get caught up a little bit more in the song.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Also, be mindful in this type of music,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13which is obviously very powerful on the harmonies,
0:20:13 > 0:20:17to not overpush the voice and blow the chord out of tune.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Some tenors - those who were singing the lower part -
0:20:20 > 0:20:22were just slightly out on that last note.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Er, but by and large, that was great. I was with you all the way.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Connie, a lot of movements - did the singing suffer?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Oh, not at all. I absolutely loved it.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37I mean, I loved your piece, and I liked the arrangement.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41I think Ken's really spot on when he says it's difficult
0:20:41 > 0:20:45to sing a song like this that repeats so much.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47But I absolutely loved your energy
0:20:47 > 0:20:50and I thought your diction was out of this world,
0:20:50 > 0:20:52so well done. I really enjoyed it.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Thank you, judges. And a big round of applause for Grey Coat.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59APPLAUSE
0:20:59 > 0:21:04It felt amazing, when I saw all our supporters, I just felt like it was a really proud moment.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- It's hard, isn't it? - It's really hard.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09They all mentioned our diction, which we'd been working on really hard,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11so the fact that they liked that was amazing.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14We're halfway through this semi-final
0:21:14 > 0:21:15and what a treat it's been so far.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18With three top choirs still to sing, next up,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20it's Twyford Church of England High School from London.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28# Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah... #
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Hi. We are Twyford Church of England High School from West London.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35This school has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere
0:21:35 > 0:21:38and we love being part of it, so come and see what we're all about.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40# Hallelujah... #
0:21:40 > 0:21:44# So here I am to worship... #
0:21:44 > 0:21:47Here at Twyford, faith is at the heart of everything we do.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Those facts alone, I think, makes the Bible one of a kind.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54For example, our motto is John 10:10 when Jesus said,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57"I have come that you might have life and have it to the full."
0:22:00 > 0:22:04At Twyford, it's not just music we enjoy. We also love our sports.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06From netball to rugby or rounders or cricket,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08we'll have a go at anything.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- Hey! - SHE LAUGHS
0:22:11 > 0:22:13# Hallelujah... #
0:22:13 > 0:22:14We hope you guys have a feel
0:22:14 > 0:22:17for what this school is like and how great it is.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21The choir won the competition back in 2009, the year before I joined.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25It's my final year, so come on, Twyford - we can do it!
0:22:25 > 0:22:29# Adiemus. #
0:22:37 > 0:22:44# Somebody's crying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:22:44 > 0:22:51# Somebody's praying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:22:51 > 0:22:57# Somebody's crying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:22:58 > 0:23:04# Somebody's praying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:23:06 > 0:23:11# Oh, Lord, hear my prayer
0:23:13 > 0:23:18# As I lift my voice and say
0:23:20 > 0:23:25# I need you, Lord, today
0:23:27 > 0:23:32# I need you right away
0:23:34 > 0:23:40# Somebody's crying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:23:41 > 0:23:47# Somebody's praying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:23:48 > 0:23:54# Somebody's crying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:23:55 > 0:24:01# Somebody's praying, Lord, Khumbaya
0:24:02 > 0:24:05# Somebody's in despair
0:24:05 > 0:24:09# Somebody feels like no-one cares
0:24:09 > 0:24:12# I know you'll make a way
0:24:12 > 0:24:15# Yes, God will make a way
0:24:16 > 0:24:19# Somebody's in despair
0:24:19 > 0:24:22# Somebody feels like no-one cares
0:24:22 > 0:24:25# I know you'll make a way
0:24:25 > 0:24:28# Yes, God will make a way
0:24:30 > 0:24:33# Somebody's in despair
0:24:33 > 0:24:36# Somebody feels like no-one cares
0:24:36 > 0:24:43# Oh, oh-oh, Khumbaya
0:24:43 > 0:24:49# Oh, Lord, Khumbaya
0:24:50 > 0:24:56# Oh, Lord, Khumbaya
0:24:57 > 0:25:02# Oh, Lord, Khumbaya
0:25:04 > 0:25:09# Oh, Lord, Khumbaya
0:25:10 > 0:25:16# Oh, Lord, Khumbaya
0:25:17 > 0:25:24# Oh, Lord, Khumbaya. #
0:25:26 > 0:25:29CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Twyford, ladies and gentlemen.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40- Were you impressed, Katherine? - I was.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44I found the, um, the balance in your sound to be really, really lovely.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47I felt like you were all working as one,
0:25:47 > 0:25:51and the interpretation of the song was absolutely gorgeous.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Your use of the harmonies and your use of the dynamics was beautiful.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57I think the last note was a little pitchy.
0:25:57 > 0:26:03Um...and I felt like if I closed my eyes, it sounded like one thing,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05but when I looked at your faces,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08it wasn't quite matching in terms of expression.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Show us that you're enjoying it, and let's just see that it...
0:26:12 > 0:26:15it comes not only from the voice, but through the face as well.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Thank you, Katherine. Ken, were you on the edge of your seat, listening to that?
0:26:19 > 0:26:21I loved the balance of that, and for me,
0:26:21 > 0:26:26what really worked in that were the contrasting dynamics.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30When you really let it all out, and when you pulled it back.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34That was exceptionally effective when you did that.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39Couple of tips - when we're singing harmonies, we've got to make sure
0:26:39 > 0:26:43that we keep the intensity of the note right the way,
0:26:43 > 0:26:45even past, the end of the note.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Otherwise, the note begins to do this - it dips a little bit.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53Also, in gospel, when we get inversions, like you did at the end
0:26:53 > 0:26:56where the harmonies invert, there's a reason why they invert, OK?
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Cos the music has got to become more and more passionate
0:27:00 > 0:27:03and your voices worked there,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07but as Katherine said, we really, really needed to see
0:27:07 > 0:27:09much more in your faces, much more pleading,
0:27:09 > 0:27:14saying "Lord, Khumbaya", which means "come by here".
0:27:14 > 0:27:17So you're crying out to God at that point, so we just wanted to see
0:27:17 > 0:27:21much more from your souls crying out and pleading, "Lord, come by here."
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Thank you very much, judges. Oh, you're good! You really are.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28And a big round of applause for Twyfords. APPLAUSE
0:27:29 > 0:27:32When I was on stage, I felt really good.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36It's worth singing a passionate song and I feel it in my heart.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Students always create a sound that is full of worship
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and we really enjoy that.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Our next choir is based in Hertfordshire
0:27:44 > 0:27:46at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48And here to tell us more about their choir
0:27:48 > 0:27:50are the members Nathalie and Charlie.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56CHOIR SINGS
0:27:56 > 0:27:59Welcome to Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Situated in Hertfordshire, we are lucky enough to study
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- in this amazing building.- So why don't you come and have a look?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07# Servant of the Lord... #
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Everyone here at Tring dances.- Yeah. That means that compared to
0:28:13 > 0:28:16other schools, where they do PE, we have to dance.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22And Charlie here is actually two-time world champion in tap.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27As well as performing arts, we also have academic lessons here.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30We do the normal A levels and GCSEs,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32but we also do a BTEC in Performing Arts,
0:28:32 > 0:28:36which combines both the practical and written element to the exam.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38THEY LAUGH
0:28:38 > 0:28:41CHOIR SINGS
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Thank you for coming to see our school.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45It's been a great pleasure to have you.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48We can't wait to sing for you in the competition.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51# Amen
0:30:51 > 0:30:59# Amen
0:31:00 > 0:31:08# Amen. #
0:31:10 > 0:31:14APPLAUSE
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Tring, ladies and gentlemen.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24I was just saying to the guys - da iawn.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28Because we had a Welsh hymn, sung in Welsh, by an English choir.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31I thought I was home! KATHERINE LAUGHS
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Well, that was really, really impressive and beautiful.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37You really, really pulled us in with a very soft, controlled part
0:31:37 > 0:31:40but then, you almost took me by surprise, really,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42with the lovely loud amens at the end.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45And considering that you are smaller in number
0:31:45 > 0:31:48than some of the other groups, you actually really projected.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51You had a very controlled use of your sound.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55And I thought it was disciplined and the sound was mature.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57And it was really, really beautiful.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01I actually...I had goose bumps, so thank you very much.
0:32:01 > 0:32:02Thank you very much.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Connie - that amen - cor!
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Amen to that!
0:32:06 > 0:32:10I'm going to call you the mighty 16 from Tring!
0:32:10 > 0:32:14It was a mighty performance, just from 16 voices on stage.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Unfortunate, I think, that both Katherine and I speak Welsh,
0:32:17 > 0:32:22and I felt that some of the vowels were a little off at times.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25I know that seems picky, but I feel I can be strong with you.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28You're very mature as performers,
0:32:28 > 0:32:32but overall, you really sold it and...
0:32:32 > 0:32:37phenomenal work has gone into that piece and I was so impressed.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- Diolch yn fawr iawn, judges.- Diolch.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41A big round of applause for Tring.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44APPLAUSE
0:32:44 > 0:32:46It went better than our rehearsals.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49I think that's cos we're onstage and cos there's an audience,
0:32:49 > 0:32:51so I think it went well.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- It was amazing. So impressive, so impressive. - It is impressive.- Yeah.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58'Ah, singing Welsh in front of two Welsh judges was a bit...'
0:32:58 > 0:33:01a bit scary, actually, and I thought they might comment on it
0:33:01 > 0:33:04but I think we tried our best and I think we got the words out.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Well, the long wait is almost over for our last school to sing,
0:33:08 > 0:33:10who've been waiting patiently for their turn.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14They are St George's College in Weybridge, but before they sing
0:33:14 > 0:33:17their chosen hymn, let's find out a little bit more about the choir.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24# Feel the spirit moving in my heart... #
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Hi. We are the chamber choir from St George's College in Weybridge.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30We're a Roman Catholic independent day school in Surrey.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33And this isn't our first time in the competition.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Back in 2012, we were both members of the choir that won.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38And we're really excited to be back again this year.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44So we're here in the chapel, which I think is definitely
0:33:44 > 0:33:47the heart of the school, being a Catholic school.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49We come here to celebrate mass together,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52because faith is a really important part of school life.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Thanks be to God.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56What words could we put for celebrate?
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- ALL:- He is fine, he is fine. - That's good.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Here at St George's, we have a great RE programme,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03where the upper sixth have the opportunity
0:34:03 > 0:34:06to visit local primary schools in the area and teach them RE.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10# Celebrate, celebrate All that we have... #
0:34:10 > 0:34:11As part of this programme,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14we get to compose worship songs for the children to use in mass.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17# Every time I feel the spirit... #
0:34:17 > 0:34:20'We hope you've enjoyed hearing about our life here at St George's.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22'The hymn we're singing in the semi-final is'
0:34:22 > 0:34:24the Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27It's a beautiful hymn and a great expression of faith.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29# I will pray. #
0:34:37 > 0:34:44# The day thou gavest, Lord is ended
0:34:44 > 0:34:50# The darkness falls at thy behest
0:34:50 > 0:34:58# To thee our morning hymns ascended
0:34:58 > 0:35:05# Thy praise shall sanctify our rest
0:35:08 > 0:35:16# As o'er each continent and island
0:35:16 > 0:35:22# The dawn leads on another day
0:35:22 > 0:35:29# The voice of prayer is never silent
0:35:29 > 0:35:36# Nor dies the strain of praise away
0:35:42 > 0:35:49# The sun that bids us rest is waking
0:35:49 > 0:35:55# Our brethren 'neath the western sky
0:35:55 > 0:36:02# And hour by hour fresh lips are making
0:36:02 > 0:36:09# Thy wondrous doings heard on high
0:36:15 > 0:36:22# So be it, Lord Thy throne shall never
0:36:22 > 0:36:28# Like earth's proud empires pass away
0:36:28 > 0:36:34# Thy kingdom stands and grows forever
0:36:34 > 0:36:42# Till all thy creatures own thy sway
0:36:42 > 0:36:54# Till all thy creatures own thy sway. #
0:36:55 > 0:36:58APPLAUSE
0:37:02 > 0:37:04St George's, ladies and gentlemen.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10So, Ken - is this day ending on a high?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Excellent singing. You sang as one voice
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and when you began to sing, that's all I could think -
0:37:17 > 0:37:21this sound like one voice. Your word endings, ends of your phrases,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24were just spot on, really together.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27What I would like you to do when you sing the song again, when I hear
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- you again next year at the Carnegie Hall on your American tour... - LAUGHTER
0:37:31 > 0:37:35..um, is that last verse - normally in hymns,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38the last verse points forward, it lifts.
0:37:38 > 0:37:45So I just wanted to hear a little bit more power, a bit more weight.
0:37:45 > 0:37:46But the overall sound,
0:37:46 > 0:37:50the blend and the fact that you actually stood apart,
0:37:50 > 0:37:52I think really helped the sound as well,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56so, what a sound, and thank you very much for that prayer.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Katherine, it's one of my favourite hymns. Did they do it justice?
0:37:59 > 0:38:03It's one of my favourite hymns, too, Aled, and I really...thought
0:38:03 > 0:38:05the whole thing was just gorgeous.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09The phrases were so long and it takes so much breath control
0:38:09 > 0:38:11and you really just made it look effortless.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13You know, you were confident.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15I felt like you were self-assured and you were enjoying it
0:38:15 > 0:38:18and the one thing I've been going on about all competition
0:38:18 > 0:38:20is seeing it in the faces as well.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24You had great focus, but you also had an expressive look
0:38:24 > 0:38:28and I really believe you felt every word, so thank you for doing that.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Thank you, judges, and a big round of applause for St George's.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34APPLAUSE
0:38:34 > 0:38:38The performance, I felt, was really committed and very enthusiastic
0:38:38 > 0:38:41and absolutely dedicated and I'm thrilled with how we did.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44We have got some talking to do.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46I thought that went absolutely amazingly.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48We've never sung so well, I don't think.
0:38:48 > 0:38:53The judges have now left the hall to decide which three lucky schools
0:38:53 > 0:38:56will be going forward to the senior final in a fortnight's time.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Rather them than me.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01And if you're scoring at home and still trying to decide your winners,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04here's a reminder of all six performances.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10# When we've been there ten thousand years... #
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Oakham really started the competition in a very strong way.
0:39:13 > 0:39:18# ..Shining as the sun... #
0:39:18 > 0:39:21They did a fantastically strong a capella performance
0:39:21 > 0:39:24which, with nerves, when you're at the start of the competition,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27that's quite a big thing to put on your shoulders,
0:39:27 > 0:39:28but they did it really, really well
0:39:28 > 0:39:31and used it to create a very atmospheric performance.
0:39:31 > 0:39:38# Father-like He tends and spares us... #
0:39:38 > 0:39:42What I liked about Truro, Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
0:39:42 > 0:39:45was that it was a very clean, polished sound, a very pure sound.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48We heard clear harmonisation on this sound.
0:39:48 > 0:39:54# Angels, help us to adore him... #
0:39:54 > 0:39:58The diction was excellent. We heard every word coming through.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02It was well in tune. Choirs need to be well in tune.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Their intonation needs to be on point.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07And Truro exemplified this.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09# Better is one day in your courts
0:40:09 > 0:40:11# Better is one day in your house... #
0:40:11 > 0:40:14I really enjoyed Grey Coats' performance, Better Is One Day.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16I just loved their spirit.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19There's something about their performance that really shone.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- # Better is one day - Better is one day
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- # Better is one day in your courts - Better is one... #
0:40:24 > 0:40:27I just felt that they sort of sold it to me.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29They weren't selling it, in fact,
0:40:29 > 0:40:32they were singing it from the heart. And I believed them.
0:40:32 > 0:40:38# Oh, Lord, hear my prayer... #
0:40:38 > 0:40:42Twyford's sound was homogenous. It was really together.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45# Yes, God will make a way... #
0:40:45 > 0:40:49When they were singing softly, their voices were really velvety.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51It was a beautiful, natural tone,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55and when they let it out, there was a grit to their voices.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00So I really thoroughly enjoyed this and I was blessed by it.
0:41:00 > 0:41:07# Tydi a roddaist, liw i'r wawr... #
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Tring are an English school,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12who learnt to sing in Welsh for this particular performance.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16# O! cadw ni rhag... #
0:41:16 > 0:41:20Singing in Welsh is very, very hard. It's one of the hardest languages
0:41:20 > 0:41:22you can actually sing in cos of all the consonants,
0:41:22 > 0:41:24so considering they attempted that,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27that's really quite an impressive thing.
0:41:27 > 0:41:34# So be it, Lord! Thy throne shall never... #
0:41:34 > 0:41:38St George's were like a mighty dragon! When did they breathe?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40They completely knocked it out of the park.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45# Till all thy creatures... #
0:41:45 > 0:41:48I really enjoyed their performance. It was technically on it.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51And they weren't nervous at all, so I think they were mighty.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Well, the wait is almost over for our six worthy semi-finalists.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Only three of you can go forward to the final.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02But we've really enjoyed hearing all of you.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- Haven't we, ladies and gentlemen? ALL:- Yes!
0:42:08 > 0:42:11Judges, I want you each to announce the name
0:42:11 > 0:42:14of a choir going through to the final. Connie.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19The name of the first choir going through to the final is...
0:42:21 > 0:42:24..Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Ken, the second choir going through.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36The second choir going through to School Choir of the Year is...
0:42:38 > 0:42:39..St George's College.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Katherine, the last choir going through to the final.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55The last choir going through to the Senior final...
0:42:56 > 0:42:57..is Oakham School.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Congratulations to Tring, St George's and Oakham.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12We'll see you on 24 April,
0:43:12 > 0:43:14and hard luck to our other semi-finalists who didn't
0:43:14 > 0:43:17get through this year, but you can hold your heads up high -
0:43:17 > 0:43:19you really can. Well done, all of you.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22APPLAUSE
0:43:22 > 0:43:25Next Sunday, we mark a very special birthday -
0:43:25 > 0:43:28not mine - Her Majesty the Queen's 90th, but we'll be back
0:43:28 > 0:43:31in a fortnight for the all-important Junior and Senior School Finals.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35Make sure you tune in. Thanks for watching. Bye-bye for now.